Dura Profile Case Study

Moulsford Viaduct Case Study

Dura Composites market-leading Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) solutions are playing a crucial role in helping to maximise the lifespan of this Grade II* listed viaduct in South Oxfordshire.

Previously, to carry out an inspection, (either planned or for an emergency), both tracks on the viaduct had to be blocked which caused significant disruption and required possession of the track. Purpose built inspection gantries made from lightweight and highstrength FRP Dura Profile and Dura Grating were supplied by Dura Composites, and were cleverly hidden from view to ensure the aesthetics of the structure were not marred.

Why Choose FRP?

It has long been acknowledged that the challenges facing Britain’s railway network are those of capacity, reliability and efficiency – and that new technology holds the key to solving many of these. With budgets under ever increasing scrutiny, it’s vital to ensure that the solutions provided to the Rail industry are both futureproof and have a measurable impact on efficiency.

Weighing up to 50% less than the equivalent steel, Dura Profile is a highperformance structural solution which is corrosion-resistant, easy to handle, non-conductive and economic to transport.

At Moulsford Viaduct it was used alongside Dura FRP Access Ladders to create the hidden gantries and maximise durability and safety. Dura FRP Ladders can be supplied in any specification up to 6 metres and can be equipped with safety cages and walkthroughs.

The flooring used for the gantries was market-leading Dura Grating – a nonslip flooring system which is durable, lightweight and chemical and corrosion resistant and which can be easy cut on site using standard power tools and requires no hot works permits.

Lightweight

Non-Corrosive

Heavy Duty

Fast Install Times

Amco Rail

Speaking about the purpose built Dura Composites inspection gantries and walkways, Shaun Miller, Site Manager at Amco (who were contracted by Network Rail to work on the viaduct) said;

“Finding the right solution to the difficult problem of inspecting and maintaining a structure of such national importance was paramount. We selected Dura Composites on the basis of their expertise in the sector and the service level they provide. The solutions for Moulsford Viaduct were fully fabricated by Amco on site, proving how easy they were to work with and ensuring that the job was completed in a timely manner and to a high standard. The Amco team were delighted to win a prestigious Network Rail STAR Award for this project in recognition of our commitment to health, safety and environmental risk control”.